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In 1962, Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, calling attention to the deleterious effects of pesticides like DDT on birds. Eight years later, in 1970, the first Earth Day was held and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created. For many, that historical moment marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement in the United States, a paradigmatic shift from aconservationist mindset of preserving the land as it was, to one in which the damage done to the Earth by humans (often in the service of economic growth) could no longer be ignored. The urge to advocate for healing the planet, to quantify and record the destruction, and to use technology to repair what had been broken developed along with this growing ecological awareness. Here, we trace the story of this transition through the unique material culture of the modern environmental movement: instruments to measure pollution, buttons to evangelize environmentalism, and tools to create cleaner forms of energy.
The 70s
The Birth of Earth Day
An Earth Day button
Nuclear Power
TOSCA nuclear fusion device, 1974Demonstration radiation monitor type 1187A, Serial No. 105, with perspex cover showing electronic schematic diagram, with associated cables, by Burndept Limited, England, 1955–1970
Measuring Pollution
Personal air quality sampler by C. F. Casella and Co., London, 1971–1980Eight-port air sampler head by Glass Developments Ltd., London, 1971–1980
The 80s
Hole in the Ozone
Ozone resistant glove, made from SalcorECC Ozonesonde and Radiosonde
Oil Spills
Oil spill containment boom. Maxi barge task force scours oil from Snug Harbor Beach, Prince William Sound, Alaska after the Exxon Valdez oil spill
Acid Rain
Stop Acid Rain button
The 90s
Recycling
Recycled blue glass brick made from blue bottle mix with natural water droplet surface; made by David Watson in his Brighton Workshop in 1999EcoAllene®, a plastic material made from the recycling of polylaminate (compound of aluminum and polyethylene) food cartons (the most common of which is known as Tetra Pak). Once used, EcoAllene® can be disposed of in the plastic bin to be recycled againReWall wallboard made of 100% recycled material. It is a durable, moisture-resistance sustainable solution made of a polycoated paper waste without facing material. The shreds of recycled cartons are left exposed, creating an exclusive design that says “recycled” at first glance
Ice Caps
Physical Map of the World
The 2000s
Energy Sources
Flexible photovoltaic cell (powered by semiconducting plastic), by Riso DTU National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, University of Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark, 2006–2007.
Extreme Weather
Door with rescue markings from Hurricane Katrina
The 2010s
Composting
Compost piles
Protest
Sticker depicting people protesting the development of the underground oil pipeline spanning 1,172 miles from North Dakota to Texas. Native Americans and others claim that the pipeline the pipeline threatens sacred burial grounds as well as the quality of water in the area.
Alternative Materials
Straws made from dried fallen coconut leaves in a chemical-free process. The straws stay intact in beverage for 3 hours and has a shelf life of 9 monthsBiodegradable and Compostable Bag
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